Degenerative Disc Disease

What Are The Causes of Degenerative Disc Disease?

One of the main causes of degenerative disc disease is aging. As we age, our spine undergoes changes that affect its ability to manage everyday stress. These changes can lead to degenerative disc disease. For example, our discs lose fluid as we age, making them less flexible, and the tough outer layer of the discs tear or crack leaving the disc more prone to herniation.

Genetics may also play a part in what causes degenerative disc disease. Without any fault of your own, you may be at greater risk for excessive joint or disc wear and tear because of this. If someone in your family has degenerative disc disease, you are likely to develop the condition as well.

Disc degeneration causes are also commonly linked to trauma or an injury. Traumatic events such as a fall, for example, can lead to a herniated disc that may speed up the degeneration process.

Repetitive motions while at work that are unhealthy for your spine are another of the many degenerative disc disease causes. Bending and lifting incorrectly places strain on the back and over time this can lead to damage in the disc speeding up the degenerative process. Other occupations that are considered at a large risk are truck drivers and jackhammer operators because of the excessive vibrations placed on the spine.

Finally, those who are obese or smoke cigarettes are more prone to degenerative disc disease because excessive weight increases the stress on the spine and smoking decreases the amount of water in the discs.

How Can I Prevent Disc Degeneration?

Healthy life style can encourage and maintain spinal health, and it is the key to slowing the natural degeneration process of aging and to preventing degenerative disc disease. You can learn more about preventing degenerative disc disease here.

Are you a Candidate for Surgery?

If non surgical degenerative disc disease treatment fails to reduce your pain and other symptoms, you may be a surgical candidate. Our simple 3 step candidacy checking tool can get you started on a path to recovery in just minutes.

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